The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Our experience was similar tof the other one star reviews. We were unable to get reservations in the hotel's Japanese restaurant. We ended up trying to contact the manager. The manager did not take the call. We were shuffled to an assistant whose English was inadequate to have reasonable communication. The staff simply do not understand how to give guests what they want. Breakfast was the identical menu every day, and not very good, at that. We had to ask multiple times for water and coffee refills. I never felt like I was in a five star hotel. Other guests were complaining as hey checked out. I agree with the reviewer who suggested "skip it".

The hotel can be reached by 15 minutes taxi ride from Kyoto station and 5 minutes walk from the nearest bus stop so it is quite convenient to get around. From arrival to check in, the staffs were all very friendly and check in process is done quickly. I was upgraded to a slightly bigger room facing the river but due to its location in level 2, the view is obstructed by the surrounding trees. The room is spacious and the bed are one of the biggest I have ever tried. Housekeeping also stocked and refill the amenities proactively during my stay. This hotel is actually quite generous by offering free breakfast for higher tier member when it is not required for Ritz Carlton brand. But, unfortunately the breakfast is the weakest part of the stay experience. While the service were very good, the taste and variety of the meal is limited. Overall, I think this hotel offer pleasant stay but unfortunately there are still room for improvement especially with the breakfast

What an incredible experience! I was planning a trip to Japan with my wife and two young children. While the reservation site did not show any availability that could accommodate a family of four, I decided to reach out to the property directly and inquire if there was a room option as my kids can easily share even a full-size a bed and selecting a "bedshare" option was not an available option on the Marriott website. Masaya graciously explained the different room options that were available with "additional person" cost and recommended the Grand Deluxe Kamogawa room with two double beds which has more available space and a river view. Masaya also provided a list of Guest Activities that my family might enjoy while on property. My kids were very excited about the Origami and Japanese Wrapping Art activity in the Ritz Kids. On check-in day, we arrived in Kyoto quite early and decided to drop our luggage at the hotel. The check-in was fluent, personalized and unique. As the doorman opened the taxi door, I was greeted by name as if we were the only possible guests that could be arriving that day. Roksana escorted us from the drive to the registration lounge and was very attentive and welcoming, even picking up on my child’s gasp of excitement when passing a display of macarons and later sending her a plate of the macarons to the room with a personalized letter. She engaged my kids in the Ritz Kids activities, helping them start their Hotel Passport and arranging their Origami and Japanese Wrapping Art activity with Tamiko the following day as we mentioned that our plans were to go to USJ for a half-day at the park. After check-in, we walked back to the front drive and the doorman had the taxi driver waiting and prepared to take us to the Kyoto Station, wishing us a fun day at USJ. The communication was seamless. As you would expect, the facility is impeccable and the location is perfect. However, what truly makes this the place to stay is the gracious hospitality of the people who work there. A month has gone by since our stay and my kids are still talking about Roksana, Tamiko and all the Guest Services team. Thank you to everyone at this gorgeous property for making our family vacation a memory that we will cherish forever.

Our romantic getaway at this adults-only retreat was nothing short of magical. The secluded location and intimate atmosphere set the stage for a perfect couples' escape. From couple's spa treatments to private dining experiences under the stars, every moment felt special. The staff's discreet yet attentive service ensured we had everything we needed without ever feeling intruded upon.

Great hotel with personalized service and really unique rooms in a great location. The restaurants and bars have great food and drinks (especially the pastries and Japanese breakfast) Super walkable to great restaurants, bars and sightseeing. Would recommend to anyone visiting Kyoto!